Quantum Indistinguishability
The Problem Of Identical Particles

Identical particles

Quantum systems of the same kind seem to have a very peculiar property: there are situations in which it is not possible to decide which particle is which. Roughly speaking, quantum systems cannot be labeled or counted in the usual sense. How can that be? 

What happens with identity?

How is it possible that quantum systems can be prepared in states where the constituents cannot be labeled or identified? Some physicists were led to the conclusion that quantum systems are not individuals. That was the remarkable conclusion of the Nobel Prize winner Erwin Schrodinger. 

A new ontology

If quantum systems are not individuals, what are they then? This question led to very different positions in the Foundations of Physics community. For an up-tp-date overview of the problem of quantum indistinguishability, have a look at the following Special Issue of PRSTA.   

Our developments

I have focused on the problem of quantum indistinguishability since the beginning of my career. In that path, I have joined forces with several experts in the field to gain a better understanding of this intriguing feature of quantum physics. Currently, I am working on a project aimed to use the notion of indistinguishability to form the basis of a new ontology for quantum physics.  In particular, to understand the connections between quantum indistinguishability and quantum contextuality.